Veterans Day in Tampa Bay: Free Meals, Free Admission and What’s Closed

Nov 11

Veterans and active-duty military eat free across Tampa Bay today, and several museums open their doors. Here’s the list, plus what’s closed.

By Joseph J. Jackson | TAMPA BAY (Nov. 11, 2026)

The short version

Government offices and post offices are closed today. Big retailers are open.
Hillsborough and Pinellas students are off. Pasco schools are in session.
Veterans and active-duty military get free meals at more than a dozen chains with ID, plus free admission at the Florida Aquarium and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. Here’s where to eat free, where to pay your respects and what’s shut down across the bay.

Bring ID. Most deals ask for a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or other proof of service, and many are dine-in only at participating locations. Call ahead before you drive.

What’s closed today?

Government and the post office: government agencies are closed, so don’t plan on mailing a package. The big retailers stay open, according to a Veterans Day roundup on Yahoo News.
City of Tampa: city offices are closed. Residential trash pickup doesn’t run on Wednesdays anyway, and commercial pickup runs as normal. The McKay Bay Transfer Station is closed and reopens Thursday, the city says.
St. Pete and Clearwater: collection days stay the same in St. Petersburg, and it’s business as usual in Clearwater.
Schools: Hillsborough and Pinellas students are off. Pasco County schools are in session.

Where to pay your respects

Tampa, 10 a.m.: the 62nd Annual Veterans Day Tribute at Veterans Memorial Park, with a JROTC color guard, the Veterans Council Awards, a sing-along salute to the military branches, guest speakers and refreshments.
Safety Harbor, 11 a.m.: a ceremony at Veterans Park at the Marina, put on by the city, American Legion Post 238 and VFW Post 10093.

Free admission

The Florida Aquarium: free general admission for eligible veterans and military members today.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (1630 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City): free admission with a valid military or veteran ID at the front desk.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: a “Waves of Honor” priority entrance at the front gate for veterans and their families, flags honoring local service members in front of Zagora Cafe, and an Operation One Voice 2.5-mile run at 10 a.m.
The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg: Veterans Day at The Dalí starts at 10 a.m. Last year, veterans and active-duty members plus one guest got free gallery admission with ID. Call (727) 823-3767 to confirm this year’s offer.

Where veterans eat free

These are national chains with locations around Tampa Bay. Offers are at participating locations, and most require ID.

Another Broken Egg Cafe: veterans eat free.
Bob Evans: a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.
Bonefish Grill: free Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic drink.
Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: a free Pizookie, dine-in.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: a free appetizer or dessert.
Dave & Buster’s: free unlimited game play and/or a free dessert with an entrée.
Denny’s: a free Original Grand Slam.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: a free pulled pork sandwich.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: a free combo meal card, good through Nov. 25.
Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night, 4 p.m. to close.
Sonny’s BBQ: a free Pork Big Deal: a pork sandwich, a side and a drink.
Steak ’n Shake: a free Original Double Steakburger, fries and a Patriot Shake.

Getting around

Pinellas veterans can ride every PSTA fixed route free, every day, not just today. Pick up a Veterans Pass at any PSTA Customer Service Center with your ID.

Know a deal or ceremony we missed? Send it to tips@floridamannewsnetwork.com.

Sources

Veterans DayVeteransMilitaryTampaSt. PeteHillsboroughPinellasFree Events

Joseph Jackson